A cellular packet radio network

Describes the design of a new data network which combines the efficiency of packet switching with the flexibility of terrestrial radio communications to provide a cost-effective alternative to the copper wire local tail. In the UK, such a network has been opened for public service by Paknet, a joint venture company between Racal Telecom and Mercury Communications. The network operates as part of the Mercury fixed telecommunications service, and because of licence regulations can only provide a service for fixed applications. The technology of the resulting packet radio network (PRN) is, however, equally applicable to fixed and mobile applications.